Sigrid
When you arrive in Germany, one thing is clear—everything is green. Whether you have a big garden or just a small balcony, Germans love their plants. It’s a strong part of the culture, especially with the tradition of Schrebergärten. Today we have Sophie with us to tell us about her work with small-space gardening. Welcome, Sophie!
Sophie
Thank you for having me! Since 2020, I’ve been working as a gardener focusing on small spaces like balconies and terraces. Before that, I was a visual artist. I also have a water culture certification from Capel Manor in the UK, and I design and care for gardens in small urban spaces.
Starting a Gardening Business in Germany
Sigrid
How was it to start this kind of business here? Is small-space gardening common in the UK as it is in Germany?
Sophie
Gardens in the UK are usually attached to houses, but balconies aren’t as common. Here in Germany, the interest in balcony gardening is definitely growing.
Sigrid
You run Easy Bee Berlin, right? How can people get in touch for garden consultations?
Sophie
Yes! People can start with a free online consultation. After that, we usually do an in-person visit, then I create a plan and help with installation.
Gardening Tips and Cultural Differences
Sigrid
Some people say they don’t have a green thumb and avoid plants. How do you see this?
Sophie
It depends on interest. If you want to learn, you can develop a green thumb. Some prefer decorative plants and hire help to care for them. Climate and culture also play a role—sometimes people aren’t familiar with the seasons or weather here. That’s where I come in.
Sigrid
Tell us how your gardening passion started.
Sophie
I grew up gardening a lot as a child, though my mom didn’t always love the mess! I was a visual artist for a long time but shifted to horticulture in 2015 and started my business in 2020 with help from friends.
Sophie
My advice is to have a vision first: imagine your ideal balcony without limits, then adapt that to reality—taking into account light, budget, and space.
Sigrid
Terraces are definitely a big part of German home culture, right?
Sophie
Absolutely. Even people without green thumbs put up fake plants to make their balconies look nice for neighbors and passersby.
Sigrid
In Latin America, there’s so much sun that gardens flourish naturally. How do people from sunnier climates handle the German gardening conditions?
Sophie
Many, like some Brazilian customers I’ve had, say they don’t understand why plants need so much care here. It’s quite different.
Plant Trends in Germany
Sigrid
What plants do Germans love the most?
Sophie
They love their neatly trimmed tall hedges—sorry, guys! It’s very typical.
Marlene
That’s true—I see it everywhere. We do love our privacy.
Sigrid
Any plant trends right now?
Sophie
Purple plants are really popular, both indoors and outdoors.
Plants for Beginners and Low Maintenance Options
Sigrid
Would you recommend plastic plants for people short on time?
Sophie
There are many low-maintenance live plants, no need for plastic. For example, ‘sedums’—drought-tolerant succulents—thrive even if neglected.
Sigrid
Any easy starter plants?
Sophie
Ivy and climbers are simple. You can brighten them up with something colorful like calendula from seeds.
Sigrid
What about orchids? They often don’t do well in offices.
Sophie
Orchids have specific needs and often get thrown out when they stop blooming. They’re better off in botanical gardens.
Sigrid
What if my balcony gets little sun?
Sophie
Many beautiful shade-loving plants exist—ferns, pansies, and violas, for example. It’s about choosing plants that fit your time and light conditions.
Winter Gardening and Cultural Plant Meanings
Sigrid
What about winter? My bougainvillea hates being inside during cold months.
Sophie
You’re right. For winter, build your garden on perennials that come back every year, like dogwood with bright stems that stand out even without leaves.
Sigrid
Are there plant superstitions in Germany?
Sophie
I’m Irish, so I know many from Irish culture—like not bringing plants inside because of fairy folk. But in Germany, I’m not sure.
Sigrid
How can listeners reach you?
Sophie
Check easybeeberlin.com or contact me by email at easybeeberlin@gmail.com. You can also find me on Instagram @EasyBeeBerlin. Or just shout out your window if you see someone pushing a cart of plants around!
Sigrid
Thank you, Sophie!
Sophie
Thanks for having me!